An in-depth look at the Clinton LumberKings from radio broadcaster Dave Lezotte. The LumberKings are the class A Midwest League Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Results tagged ‘ John Tamargo Jr. ’

It’s been a busy Sunday for me as I’ve gone the extra mile and recorded two interviews today. Last night’s action here in Lansing forced my hand. The big story heading into the contest was the John Tamargo Sr. vs. John Tamargo Jr. managerial battle, and I’m happy to say I have both video of their lineup card exchange (be it from long-distance) AND an interview with both JT’s as well.

As much of a broadcast golden nugget as that conversation is, I’m saving it for tomorrow’s pregame show. Why? Because one Blake Ochoa did something last night that I’ve never seen a LumberKing do. He drove in seven RBI on the strength of two home runs (one of which was a grand slam) and provided all of the offense in an otherwise forgettable 12-7 loss.

Yes, the Kings have lost five-straight games, including the first four on this trip, but Ochoa’s attempt to bring his team back from 5-1 and 11-3 deficits is nothing short of amazing. He easily could have had nine to 10 RBI in the contest as his first RBI came on a sacrifice fly to center field. Kenny Wilson saved his liner from one-hopping the wall with a diving catch, allowing only one of the three baserunners to score.

Ochoa made sure no outfielder would catch his next two hits, dropping his second home run of the season onto the berm in left in the fifth inning before absolutely destroying a ball onto the street in left for the slam in the sixth inning. Both homers came off of right-hander Ryan Shopshire of Lansing, who must have seen Blake in his nightmares last night despite improving to 7-8 with the win.

I’ve been doing my best to look back in the Clinton history books for the last time a player has driven in seven runs, but have been unsuccessful so far. At least we know Ochoa is the most recent, and today we’ll hear more about just how he did it on the pregame interview.

Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (6-4, 2.90) looks to snap this five-game losing streak and get the Kings back to .500 in his 15th start of the season today. First pitch in Lansing is scheduled for 1:05 PM central time, listen online at 1390klcn.com.

The six-game Michigan swing heads here to Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly known as Oldsmobile Park) in Lansing. The LumberKings are ailing after being swept in a doubleheader by the practically-double-A Great Lakes Loons last night, leaving them suddenly in fifth place and a half-game behidn Burlington for the West Wild Card.

The playoffs are on the line every day here in the second half for the Kings, but that takes a backseat to a degree to an unusual occurrence. Tonight, we get to watch Clinton manager John Tamargo (pictured left on the front page of MiLB.com) face his own son, hitting coach and acting manager John Tamargo, Jr. of the Lugnuts. I’ve been asked by a few folks if this is the first time a father and son will have managed against each other in Minor League Baseball, and to be quite honest, I haven’t been able to find out.

One thing is for sure — both Tamargos want to win this one. JT Senior mentioned that in his speech to LumberKings’ fans at the 2010 Hot Stove Banquet way back in January. Meanwhile, I can only imagine that JT Jr. wants to keep the playoff-hungry Lugnuts on a roll. They’re coming off a series sweep of the Kane County Cougars, formerly the West’s first-place team.

My intention is to catch up with the Tamargos prior to tomorrow’s Sunday game. Neither team was able to take the field today as a result of a major promotion going on at the ballpark all afternoon.

What I do have for you tonight is more LumberKings Game Notes and some highlights from last night’s doubleheader. Enjoy:

Left-hander Nick Czyz (2-1, 3.51) makes a very important start tonight as he attempts to help snap a four-game losing streak. The Kings have not lost five in a row this season. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM central time, listen online at 1390kcln.com.

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